Comparison of Iohexol and Barium Sulfate as Gastrointestinal Contrast Media in Ringedneck Parakeet

Reza Ghaviruh*1, Rasoul Rahimzadeh2, Pejhman Nazem Zomorrodi2

1 DVM Student, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj , Iran 2 Assistant professor, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran. .

Email: [email protected]

Objective- Objectives: Iohexol, a nonionic, iodinated contrast medium, was evaluated as an alternative to barium sulfate suspension for radiographic studies of the avian gastrointestinal tract.

Animals- Clinically healthy adult Ringedneck Parakeet (n=6).

Procedures- Iohexol, prepared undiluted or diluted with tap water 1:1 or 1:2, was given by gavage tube to unanesthetized, mid-sized birds. The volume of iohexol or barium administered was based on each bird's estimated crop volume; the dose was determined retrospectively as 25-30 ml/kg. After the contrast media was administered, Ventrodorsal and lateral radiographic views were taken immediately, at 15 and 30 minutes, at 1 hour, and then at hourly intervals until the contrast medium reached the cloaca. Results- When compared with barium sulfate studies, radiographs of birds given iohexol (25-30 ml/kg), either undiluted or diluted 1:1, were of equal quality to those of birds given barium, in terms of opacification of the gastrointestinal tract lumen and the ability to evaluate all portions adequately.

Conclusion- An advantage of iohexol was its rapid transit time when compared with barium. Dilution of iohexol at ratios greater than 1:1 is not recommended, as it resulted in poor opacification of gastrointestinal structures.

Key words- Iohexol, Barium Sulfate, Gastrointestinal Contrast Media, Ringedneck Parakeet.

References

1. Hardy RM: Diseases of the liver and their treatment. In Ettinger SJ (ed): Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine Vol. II, Philadelphia: WB Saunders Co, 1989; 1479-1527.

2. Dorrenstein GM, et al: Hemochromatosis/iron storage: New developments. Proc Assoc Avian Vet 2000: 233-237.